Thailand

1238 (exact date unknown): Foundation of the Sukhothai Kingdom, considered the first independent Thai state

1351 (exact date unknown): Foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom

1767 (September 7, Thursday): Fall of Ayutthaya to Burmese forces, leading to the establishment of the Thonburi Kingdom

1782 (April 6, Saturday): King Rama I establishes Bangkok as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam

1932 (June 24, Wednesday): Siamese Revolution, leading to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy

1939 (June 24, Saturday): The country officially changes its name from Siam to Thailand

1941 (December 8, Sunday): Thailand enters World War II by aligning with Japan

1973 (October 14, Sunday): Mass protests lead to the ousting of the military government

1997 (July 2, Wednesday): The Asian financial crisis begins, severely impacting Thailand’s economy

2004 (December 26, Sunday): Indian Ocean tsunami strikes Thailand, especially impacting Phuket and Krabi, with thousands of casualties

2006 (September 19, Tuesday): Military coup ousts Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

2014 (May 22, Thursday): Another military coup seizes power, and a military government is installed

2019 (March 24, Sunday): General elections held under a new constitution, with the military-backed party gaining power

2020 (March 15, Sunday): COVID-19 pandemic severely impacts Thailand’s tourism and economy

2021 (July 28, Wednesday): Thailand faces a third wave of COVID-19, resulting in lockdowns and restrictions

2022 (May 19, Thursday): Major flooding in several provinces due to the monsoon season, displacing thousands of people

2023 (August 23, Wednesday): A series of strong earthquakes (magnitude 6.5) hit northern Thailand, causing significant damage and casualties

2024 (April 10, Wednesday): Severe drought affects agricultural production, especially rice fields, in central Thailand

Continent: Asia
Location: Southeast Asia, bordered by Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma), and Malaysia, with a coastline along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand
Capital: Bangkok
Language: Thai (official)
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Population: ~70.8 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT) / UTC +7

Borders: Laos (northeast), Cambodia (southeast), Vietnam (southeast), Myanmar (west and north), Malaysia (south)
Landscape: Mountains in the north and west, central plains, and coastal areas
Major Rivers: Chao Phraya, Mekong, Ping, Nan
Major Mountains: Doi Inthanon (highest point), Doi Pha Hom Pok, Doi Luang
Deserts: None significant
Lakes: Lake Nong Han, Lake Songkhla
Volcanoes: No active volcanoes
Highest Point: Doi Inthanon (2,565 m / 8,415 ft)
Lowest Point: Gulf of Thailand (0 m / 0 ft)
Climate: Tropical, with a rainy season (May to October), cool season (November to February), and hot season (March to May)
Geological Features: Central plains are rich in agriculture, while the north features mountainous terrain

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Thai (approximately 75%), with ethnic minorities including Chinese, Malay, and various hill tribes
Religion: Theravada Buddhism (approx. 95%), Islam (approx. 4%), Christianity (approx. 1%)
Urban Population: ~51% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~12% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Traditional dance, festivals, Thai cuisine, temples, and Buddhism
Cuisine: Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Som Tum, Green Curry, Thai iced tea
Arts: Thai classical dance, Muay Thai (martial art), silk weaving
Sports: Muay Thai, football (soccer), volleyball, badminton, golf

Economy Type: Newly industrialized economy
GDP: Approx. $535 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Automotive, electronics, tourism, textiles, agriculture
Key Exports: Electrical machinery, rice, rubber, automobiles, precious metals
Unemployment Rate: ~1% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Industrial hub around Bangkok, agricultural heartland in the central plains, tourism-centered coastal and island areas

Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (National Assembly of Thailand, consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate)
Constitution: Adopted in 2017, the latest constitution was enacted following a military coup in 2014

Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, bustling markets and street food
Chiang Mai: Ancient temples, night bazaars, Elephant Nature Park
Phuket: Beaches, vibrant nightlife, island hopping
Ayutthaya: UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins
Krabi and Phi Phi Islands: Popular beach destinations, crystal-clear waters